Could anyone argue that the Trinity Road Stand, with it's central staircase, had more pomp and style than any other ground?
Arsenal came close, but does not enjoy the benefit of an open space in front of the enterance.
The facade was as good as any municipal building of the time. The twin towers were simple topped by pediments, the balcony balustrade was not too ornate and the circular, stained glass windows along the front were the type that could have been seen at a public swimming baths.
When built in 1924 it was a monument to represent what Aston Villa stood for. Only the finest would do. No expense was spared. Imported Italian marble (work done by Marbello & Durus of Cambridge St. Birmingham) made up the mosaics at either gable. Both different, due to the unusual shape of the stand, but both carrying the words "ASTON VILLA" and the lion rampent.
A distinctive balcony wall, gracefully curved inside the ground compared favourably to any similar stand.
And then there was the crowning glory, Archibald Leitch's wide, flat topped gable, with the clubs motto "Prepared" and the lion crest featured in the centre.
Originally planned for in 1914, at a cost of £27,000, the stand was delayed because of the war and consequently when looked at again in 1919, the cost had shot up to £66,000. With inflation this put the Villa off for a couple of years when the contract to build the stand was put out to tender.
Villa eventually settled with E. Garfield Ltd of Birmingham, who's tender of just over £25,000 was accepted for the building work.
Morton & Co were to supply the steelwork (at £9,650, which was actually £2,000 more than the lowest bidders, but Villa being patriotic went with an English company) and the flooring contract went to Kleiner's for £6,900. Making a total cost of £41,775
Work was delayed by bad weather and industrial disputes and went over budget, the final figure wasn't worked out until over a year from it's official opening by the Duke of York on January 26th 1924 v Bolton Wanderers.
In January 1925 the board learned from architect Archibald Leitch that £87,335 more than double it's original estimate.
And there it remained until this year. It was a stand that was built to tell the world about. I wonder what we'll say about the new one, "It's got a road running under it?" I suppose that's something.
Thanks to Simon Inglis. If you want to learn more then I thoroughly reccommend his book "Villa Park 100 Years"
